Sox to interview Counsell, Colbrunn

Sun, 11/18/2012 - 1:15pm — Alex Speier

According to a major league source, the Red Sox will interview a pair of long-time big leaguers about their hitting coach position(s) this week, with Craig Counsell slated to interview on Monday and Greg Colbrunn in the process of being scheduled for another time during the week.

Counsell, 42, spent 16 years with the Diamondbacks, Brewers, Marlins, Rockies and Dodgers, finishing his career in Milwaukee in 2011. In 1,624 career games, Counsell -- a utility infielder -- hit .255 with a .342 OBP, .344 slugging mark and .686 OPS. He served as a special assistant to Brewers GM Doug Melvin in 2012.

Colbrunn, 43, spent parts of 13 years with the Diamondbacks, Marlins, Braves, Expos, Twins, Rockies and Mariners, primarily as a first baseman. In 992 games, he hit .289/.338/.460/.799, with his last season coming in 2004. He's been on the coaching staff of the Yankees' Single-A affiliate in Charleston since 2007, having spent five of the six years as hitting coach and one (2010) as the team's manager.

The Sox have already interviewed former Diamondbacks hitting coach Rick Schu, Sox minor league hitting coordinator Victor Rodriguez and Braves assistant hitting coach Scott Fletcher. The team is still considering a two-coach approach to its hitting instruction, though whether the team ultimately pursues such a strategy will depend on personnel.